Are Candles Bad For You​? Which Candles Are Safe & Which Are Toxic?

Candles make your space smell divine, but are candles bad for you​? The question has come up in recent years as studies have come out about how candles affect air quality and what they might be releasing into the air. The worry seems to focus on air pollutants and how they can potentially harm your body, particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Is it bad to burn candles in the house? Many people don’t want to give up making their space smell like freshly washed linen or lemon meringue pie, even if candles are bad for you​. Researchers and doctors have been studying the potential dangers posed by candles and how we can use them more safely. So, is burning candles actually bad for you? We’ll discuss what research and experts say about the weighted question, “Are candles bad for you?” 

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• Is Burning Candles Actually Bad For You?
• Are Candles Bad For The Environment?
• What Types Of Candles Are Safe?
• Learn Candle Safety From The Experts

Is Burning Candles Actually Bad For You?

There’s no question that candles smell good and can make your space feel warmer and more homey. But are candles bad for you​ or bad for your overall health? There have been studies on how candles affect indoor air quality and how this can potentially affect our bodies’ cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Within the debate, some people also claim that candles can release toxins that are damaging to our health and bodies. One study found no significant associations between candle use and the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory events, according to PubMed. But the researchers state that further testing is needed to draw more conclusive conclusions. When it comes down to it, are candles bad for you​? In general, not dangerously bad. However, some candles may be better than others to burn in your space.

Is Burning Candles Bad For Your Lungs? Are Scented Candles Bad For Your Lungs?

One message that has emerged from the debate is that candles are bad for your lungs. The worry is that burning candles adds pollutants and toxins to the air. In turn, breathing those in can be bad for your lungs and respiratory system.

It has been found that candles can release VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, when burned. According to the Cleveland Clinic, candles can release toluene and benzene. Toluene can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and skin. And benzene is a gas that is known to be a carcinogen.

However, before you throw out all of your candles, you should know that the emissions candles give off are tiny. So, is burning candles bad for your lungs? Not necessarily. Since burning a candle releases only a small amount of toluene, benzene and other potentially harmful compounds, most people wouldn’t be significantly affected. Especially when burning candles in a well-ventilated area.

But what about fragrances in candles? Both scented candles and unscented candles release VOCs. However, neither has high enough quantities to pose serious health risks. The scent in a candle doesn’t make it more dangerous.

So, are candles bad for you​? No, they’re not, especially when burned in a well-ventilated space. However, if you want to minimize VOC emissions even further, opt for high-quality candles and avoid added dyes or paraffin.

Are Candles Bad For Your Hormones?

Despite VOC emissions, the risk of harm from burning candles is relatively low. But are candles bad for you​ and your hormones? Some scented candles, particularly ones with synthetic fragrances, may have hormone-disrupting chemicals, according to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology. That’s because the fragrances may contain phthalates, which can mimic and block hormones or release hypothalamic, pituitary and peripheral hormones.

However, as with many studies, more research is needed. Are candles bad for you​r hormones? Not all of them. Experts advise avoiding candles that contain phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Instead, you may want to opt for beeswax or soy-based candles and ones that are scented with natural essential oils.

Are Candles Worse Than Cigarettes?

As the question of “Are candles bad for you?​” has been discussed, it’s been brought up in some discussions that candles are worse than cigarettes. There have been no studies directly comparing candles to cigarettes. However, some experts might cite the volatile organic compounds and soot that candles release into the air. However, these emissions are generally very low in concentration. Low enough that candles wouldn’t be worse than a cigarette.

Whether candles are bad for you​ often depends on how many you burn, the size of the space, and the ventilation. Burning one candle for a few hours in a well-ventilated area will generally not release the same amount of chemicals or carcinogens that smoking a cigarette would.

Are Bath And Body Works Candles, Yankee Candles And Soy Candles Bad For You?

Many people wait for Bath and Body Works’ Annual Candle Day to get some of their favorite scents for a discounted price. But as the debate continues, many people may wonder if candles from their favorite store are healthy or safe.

Are Bath and Body Works candles bad for you? Some of the concerns stem from the wax blend in Bath and Body Works candles, which includes soybean and hydrogenated palm oils and paraffin wax. Paraffin wax can release VOCs when burned. Even the best Bath and Body Works candles may have some toxic elements when burned. However, much of the research still suggests that the levels are low enough that in a well-ventilated room, Bath and Body Works candles wouldn’t be harmful.

Are Yankee candles bad for you? The Yankee Candle website describes their wax blend as plant-based for a cleaner burn. It also states that the candles don’t contain added parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or sulfates. Since these are the chemical ingredients of concern, it can be assumed that Yankee Candle candles are relatively safe. So, you can enjoy the best Yankee Candle scents without fear. 

So, are candles bad for you​ if they’re from your favorite store? It really depends on the ingredients in the wax. Generally, soy candles are an alternative to paraffin candles that are considered much healthier. The wax blend produces minimal soot, fewer toxins and has an overall cleaner burn.

Are candles bad for you​ if they’re from your favorite store? It depends on where you’re buying them and what ingredients are used to make them. Opt for soy wax and avoid paraffin wax, as well as added phthalates and parabens, which are common in store-bought candles from big-box stores.

Are Candles Bad For The Environment?

Many people have been asking, “Are candles bad for you?” but many do not consider the impacts on the environment. So, are candles bad for the environment? It depends heavily on what the candle wax is made from.

Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, coal or oil shale. Because of this, it’s not biodegradable, and it also releases more harmful chemicals. So, paraffin wax is not the cleanest or most environmentally sustainable option. 

Conversely, naturally-derived waxes are more environmentally-friendly. Palm, coconut and soy waxes are all naturally derived and a cleaner option for candle wax. Beeswax is another environmentally-friendly option. If environmental impact is an essential factor for you when choosing a candle, it’s also a good idea to research the sourcing of the wax ingredients to ensure they were obtained sustainably.

So, are candles bad for you​ and the environment? It all comes down to the wax. Candles with naturally-derived waxes are better for you and the environment.

What Types Of Candles Are Safe?

When picking out candles, most people decide whether they like the scent or not. But there are other factors to consider if you want to choose the safest candle. So, what types of candles are safe? Starting with the wax, you should opt for a natural wax over paraffin. Soy, beeswax, palm and coconut wax are among the most popular options. Natural waxes burn cleaner and produce less soot and smoke that can be irritating or potentially dangerous. So, these are better for both your body and the environment.

You should also look for candles that don’t use artificial fragrances, as they may produce chemicals that can be toxic. Instead, look for candles scented with natural essential oils. You may also want to look for certain wicks. Zinc and tin-core wicks are safe and non-toxic options. As are wood wicks and cotton wicks. So, if you’re wondering, are candles bad for you​? The answer is generally, “No.” However, you can make some swaps to different types of candles that may be cleaner or produce fewer chemicals.

If you’ve been wondering, “Are candles bad for you?” you can also change your candle-burning habits. Make sure you’re constantly burning a candle in a well-ventilated room. This ensures your home air quality stays at a healthy level. Trim the wicks before each use. And don’t blow on the candle to extinguish it. Both of these actions can help produce less smoke and soot when using your candle.

Learn Candle Safety From The Experts

Are candles bad for you​? Inherently, no. However, the safety and healthiness of the candle come down to what’s used to make it. Using high-quality natural wax and natural essential oils to scent the candle makes it safer to use. That’s where the fun of candle making comes into play. If you love candles, making your own is a great way to create the perfect candle for your space.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make candles, this is the perfect opportunity. Classes are led by expert candle makers, who will walk you through the step-by-step instructions to blend, pour and set your candle.

Are candle-making classes worth it? Absolutely! Whether you’re a candle lover, a crafty person or a novice wanting to try a new hobby, making your own candles is a wonderful place to start. Candle making classes in Atlanta, Austin, Boston and Chicago allow you to make the candle from scratch. Using high-quality wax, you’ll blend the wax and add a custom fragrance base to make a one-of-a-kind candle you can take home.

But if you want to get started on your own, try our guides on how to make soy candles and how to make beeswax candles, so that you can get a head start at home before getting social at a class.  

So, are candles bad for you​? No, and when they’re made well, you won’t have to worry about them emitting chemicals or toxins. Plus, they’ll provide a great source of aromatherapy and make a space warmer and more homey. And when you make your own candle, you’ll have a custom art piece you’ll love to show off in your home.

Many have been worrying, “Are candles bad for you​?” You can rest assured that the answer is no. Though studies have found that burning candles can affect air quality and release compounds into the air, there is generally not enough to have a significant impact on your body and your health. But if you are worried about whether candles are bad for you​, smart swaps, such as beeswax or coconut wax or natural essential oil fragrances, can create a safer and healthier candle. And when you create your own candle, you can use the high-quality ingredients to create a candle you love to burn. Read our guide on how to get candle wax out of carpet if you've made an oopsy with your fragrant goodie. 

To learn all about candle safety and how to make them DIY, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!